Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul met with Knicks management on Friday and “things were hashed out,” a source told Stefan Bondy of The New York Post (Twitter link). The two sides are now focused on moving forward with a better working relationship, says Bondy.
Paul had a long-running feud with Knicks management of unknown origin, though it’s worth noting that New York has a reputation of favoring clients of CAA, the agency that employed Leon Rose before he took over as New York’s president of basketball operations.
While Paul’s most famous client is Lakers superstar LeBron James, he represents many players around the league, including Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. The former All-Star has been one of the more accomplished players frequently mentioned in trade rumors this season.
A December report from Ian Begley of SNY.tv said “some prominent members” of the Knicks viewed Murray as an “ideal trade target,” but there was a hurdle to overcome due to Paul. However, Begley also said Paul was open to an in-person meeting with the Knicks to work out their differences, and now that has reportedly come to fruition.
It’s unclear if the cleared air between Paul and Knicks brass will be the impetus for renewed trade talks for Murray, but it’s certainly a noteworthy development with the trade deadline less than a week away.
The Hawks are viewed by rival executives as the “most active and aggressive team” on the trade market, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, and they’re said to be interested in third-year wing Quentin Grimes. New York has multiple future first-round picks — which Atlanta reportedly covets for Murray — and also has Evan Fournier for salary-matching purposes.
Now get the trade done Grimes Fournier and 2 firsts for Murray
I’ll go along with that.
lmao sign me up for that.
The timing of this is interesting. Is it coincidental that they hashed things out now or is it purposeful with the trade deadline around the corner?
I just wonder if he and Lebron are sending a message to Laker management that Murray could land somewhere else if they don’t budge and offer up the two picks they can move and other assets. Lebron doesn’t want to leave Cali – all the talk about him possibly looking to leave is nonsense. He’s not going to leave while his kid is at USC.
They only have 1 first that’s eligible to be traded- the ‘29 or the ‘30 with the ‘29 thought to be more desirable. This is because of the swaps and deferrals they gave NO in the Davis trade. Will get another tradable on draft night depending on what NO does with their swap rights. The ‘31 is also moveable after the draft starts.
LOL. Whew. How great is it that the NYK can now consider trading for RP’s clients. Maybe they should celebrate by overpaying for one of them.
At least they should thank Begley. If he didn’t identity this problem, it probably would never have been resolved. But, because he did, the NYK can now procced as if there never was any serious problem and Begley’s initial report was nonsense.
Kind of dumb to screw over clients from going to one of the biggest markets…petty.
Once again I am not trading Grimes unless it’s for Mikal. Grimes, Fournier and Mitch and 4 picks for Mikal. If that doesn’t work. Trade Fournier and 2 picks for Brogdan or possibly Caruso.
I REALLY don’t want to see Grimes go, but if Murray is the return I’d have to do it.
Murray is what I hope Grimes can turn into. A 6’5 defensive presence that can be good for 18-20 ppg.
Not the kind of guy I would want to trust with my future earnings, that’s for sure. Stuff like that speaks louder than one’s supposed reputation.
A lot of context to include. Not going to add everything as you could easily write a book about the beef. Paul first entered the business of sports agency working for Leon Rose and CAA. In 2012 he goes and leaves with Lebron and a number of other clients and staff to start Klutch sports. The way CAA people describe him it’s as a traitor and he’s said, including on First Take live on ESPN, he learned nothing from Rose. Of course, that comes off as ungrateful. Klutch also has partnered BBC with other groups that rival CAA in things like tv, film, and music.
Aside from that with the Knicks specifically you have the Nerlens Noel lawsuit. He was playing for New York and they offered a great extension and Paul told Nerlens to turn the deal down for a 1 year deal. That turned out to be a major mistake and he sued Klutch sports over that and $200k that he says Klutch never paid.
Overall, the decisions that Paul has made, both good and bad, are coming back to bite him. An agent is not supposed to be the center of attention the talent should be. When an agent is harming their client’s market potential due to beef they are being a bad agent and a distraction.
Disregarding the rest of this comment, almost everything you wrote about the Noel situation is incorrect. He was on Dallas at the time of the reported extension offer, not New York; Klutch filed a grievance against Noel for failing to pay $200K in commission, and then Noel sued; However, that lawsuit was later dismissed and went to arbitration, with Noel reaching a settlement with Klutch to pay the $200K he owed and drop the legal proceedings.
link to hoopsrumors.com
He sued while he was a Knick. I believe he dropped Klutch before signing with Knicks
Knicks didn’t have anything to do with the Noel lawsuit. They actually treated him great as far as contracts go. The Mavericks offered the deal and he turned it down. Then he played in OKC for two years before signing a one year deal with the Knicks. He played well for them and they re-signed him to a three year, $32 million deal. They traded him after a year (in the Alec Burks/Pistons trade with all of the pick swaps) but their three year, $32 million contract with him was a very good deal for Noel. Noel took it and was very happy with the Knicks.
We can all sleep soundly now
Hawks Homer doesn’t believe his team is shopping anyone. Yet most rumors and the most players available from one team. Seem to be the Atlanta Hawks.
“The Hawks are viewed by rival executives as the “most active and aggressive team” on the trade market, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports,”
Imo Grimes is the kind of fit that can work with Trae. Although I think Brown is a better fit right now. A Defensive stud who can cover one on one. One who can also shoot. That would be a great compliment to Young. I can see why they would want Grimes.
Fournier, Grimes, two picks should be no problem for Knicks. Frankly I would think Hawks would want more. Especially from Knicks. If all we lose is Grimes. Since Fournier doesn’t play anyway. It’s a no brainer to me. Even if the fit isn’t right. There will be no problem flipping Murray to a better fit elsewhere next yr. So I’m good with giving it a go. My first choice is DeM DeR. But I can see Thibs and Rose going for Murray.